Some Thanksgiving Tips!!

Thanksgiving is almost upon us, and I hope you are all getting as excited as I am! I wanted to give you some tips and/or tricks for you to keep handy as you prepare for your Thanksgiving feast.

1.) Keep It Simple!
Nobody said you had to turn into a gourmet chef just because it's Thanksgiving. Use recipes that you are familiar with, and you know you can execute well. You will feel more comfortable in the kitchen and your food will come out so much better. Don't use Thanksgiving as the time to try your new duck confit recipe!

2.) Easy on the Appetizers
It's nice to give your guests something to munch on before the big meal, but you don't want them to be full when they sit down to dinner! Have a few platters of chips, some raw vegetables, and maybe some shrimp cocktail. And be sure to offer your guests a drink once they are settled.

3.) Downplay the Decorations
Your guests don't want to be dodging candles and flower arrangements just to get to the food on the table. Have a nice centerpiece and stick with a central theme and color. Don't go crazy, and don't stress yourself out. Make the food the focus of the table. And besides, it's about being together, not about the decorations.

4.) Don't Try to Please Everyone
There will inevitably be something you make that someone will not like. Who cares? Nobody said everybody has to eat everything that's on the table. If someone doesn't like your creamed corn recipe, then they don't have to take any. Also, keep a mental note of any dishes that NO ONE took, so you know not to make it again!

5.) Make Ahead!
There are LOTS of things you can make ahead. The cranberry sauce recipe can be made up to a week ahead. Pies can be made up to two days ahead. Dressing (or stuffing) can be made a day ahead and just bake it off the day of. If you are brining or salting the turkey, that should be done at least 1 day before. Trust me, prepping ahead for the big day will make your life so much easier.

6.) Enjoy the Company
Your guests do not want to hang out in the kitchen with you while you scramble around to finish things up. Prep ahead, get people to help you out, and enjoy your time with your guests. Thankgiving is about togetherness and enjoying each other's company.

7.) Do Something Fun!
Of course, Thanksgiving in and of itself is a great time, but shake things up and have some more fun! Play a game that gets everyone involved and makes everyone laugh. Games I recommend: Catch Phrase, Guesstures, Pictionary, Scattergories, and a new game called Quelf. Or, go around the room and have people tell their funniest Thanksgiving story. Be creative!

8.) Easy on Drinks
You want your guests to remember the night, so go easy on the booze. If you choose to serve alcohol, again, keep it simple. Have a few good beers on hand, a red and a white wine, and sparkling cider & soda/juice for the non-drinkers. Also, keep an eye on your guests who are drinking. If someone has had a little too much, they may become an unexpected overnight guest!

9.) Keep the Kids Busy
If there are kids at your house, make sure they have something to do. Get some coloring books and crayons from the dollar store, or some fun little toys for them to play with. Activities will help keep them quiet (hopefully!) and occupied so their parents can enjoy the night too. If you are not able to give the kids something to do, ask that their parents bring things along for them.

10.) Put Your Guests to Work!
Let's face it, you can't do everything yourself. As your guests arrive, give them a small but meaningful job to do. Examples: "Hey, Uncle Brian, would you mind taking people's coats as they come in please?" "Evan, could you pour water in everyone's glasses please?" "Mom, could you take those pies out of the oven please?" "Brad, could you mash those potatoes for me please?" (Don't forget to say please!) Most of the time, your guests will be happy to oblige, but if not, that's ok, find someone else to do it!

11.) Don't Be the "Dreaded Guest"
If you are invited to someone's house for Thanksgiving, remember you are a GUEST in their home. Don't drink until you pass out, don't be rude to other guests, and especially show respect for your host/hostess. DO offer to help, DO be pleasant and friendly with other guests, and DO make the holiday stress-free for your host. You want to be invited back next year right?

12.) Enjoy the Day
Thanksgiving is about being together, having great food, and making memories with your family and friends. Don't worry if something goes wrong. You are surrounded by people who love you, and they won't love you any less if you mess up the cranberry sauce. One of my favorite Thanksgivings was when our two friends had joined us at my mom's house. The power went out just as we had finished eating, so we played Catch Phrase in the dark. It was hilarious, and we are still laughing about it to this day. Don't stress, keep it simple and have a great time!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!